Invisible

Christina Diaz Gonzalez is an award-winning middle-grade author of several novels and one graphic novel to date. She was born and raised in Florida by Cuban parents who instilled in her a sense of pride about her roots, particularly in their decision to teach Christina Spanish before she learned English. Christina remembers being the only child in her neighborhood who spoke Spanish, and the unique challenges faced by children of immigrant parents are sensitively explored in her graphic novel, Invisible. She stresses the importance of storytelling as a medium for discussing difficult topics, sharing experiences, building empathy and understanding, and of course, fostering enjoyment.

Invisible is an important work in Gonzalez’s repertoire because it is designed to appeal to a group of readers who may be more reluctant to read or who are still learning English, just like Dayara, Miguel, and Nico. The graphic novel offers consistent direct translations between Spanish and English, becoming one of the first of its kind to reach a new level of inclusivity and break down the social barriers that exist between students of varying backgrounds. Gonzalez was inspired to write Invisible by one of her favorite 1980s films, The Breakfast Club, which similarly features a group of students with seemingly nothing in common who are brought together to serve a detention.